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Drum Care

Caring for your Drum

*Keep out of extreme temperatures. If you MUST leave it in the car***,park in the shade (on a hot day, or in the sun on a really cold day) and wrap it in a piece of fabric (clothing?) for insulation.

*Dampness will cause the head to get "floppy". Warm it gently (by a fire or heater-not too close!) before you play it. When it is in "perfect" tone, store it in a plastic bag. I know they look nice hanging on the wall, but unless the room is at a constant moderate temperature, it's best to keep them in the plastic bag.(or a drum bag made specifically for drum storage.)

*Occasionally, (once or twice a year) rub a moisturizer on the head. Hand lotion is fine. (Someone suggested saddle soap, I haven't tried it yet...)

*Each time you play it, or just pass near it, caress it and give thanks to the many living beings whose bodies were used for the materials your drum was constructed of. (Or simply, thank the Great Spirit!)

* And please do play it often!! Don't let it die from neglect.

***in Arizona, please don't leave it in the car- ever!

My Drums

This is the first drum I made on May 5, 1996. It's made with Elk hide. It's called 4 directions and has 4 horses around the sides

This is the face of the Dreamcatcher drum.The back has a dreamcatcher lacing design. It's made of deer hide.

I made this Drum with Horse hide in 2000

This is the style I currently teach.

Each different animal skin gives a different "feel" or energy to the drum.